Windows Update cannot currently check for updates

This! Went down too many roads with MS and this was it for me

How to fix “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running” | Michal's Notes

Summary in case the link dies:
Basically the guy thinks the Windows Updates download(s) got corrupt somewhere, so he tells you to stop the Windows Update service, delete all the files in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\, then re-enable the service. I rebooted my machine but it probably wasn't necessary.

I am having the same problem with a friends laptop a sony VPCF126FM. His HD crashed so I am installing a brand new WD hard drive. I too have tried reformatting to no avail. I have also tried all of the above solutions and even gone to the intel website to get the latest drivers for the rapid tech stuff. Still getting same error message about service not running. I have yet to try the solution from the post above mine.

has anyone had the opportunity to attempt it?

the system was win7 home premium and i used a win7 home premium disc oem with sp1.

The fix did not work in my case. What did work was something i had read earlier relating to the Intel Rapid drivers. I uninstalled them completely and voila. All updates came through. I realize this is only a fix for windows updates, and it now presents a new problem of not having the intel drivers installed for the rapid tech stuff, but at least i can get updates.